NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11

The Wednesday card was quite unpredictable, but it’s left us with a limited schedule now. We only have five games set for Thursday, with four of them forming the main card. However, it does simplify our tasks a bit. So, let’s delve into the schedule!

Core Plays

Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel

Davis has managed to rack up a minimum of 44 DraftKings points in 17 consecutive games, and in more than half of these, he has accumulated at least 60 fantasy points. This is one of the top figures in the NBA, with an average of 55 DK points per game. Additionally, the fact that Phoenix ranks 23rd in OPRK against rival centers isn’t a concern, considering that AD has averaged 52 DK points per game in their three encounters.

Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel

Irving has already been great with Luka Doncic, but it’s scary to think what his usage will look like without the superstar. We anticipate Irving looking at 40 minutes, 25 shots, and a 40 percent usage rate. We’ve seen Irving showcase 70-point gems with that type of role in the past, and you know he’ll be hungry against a big-market team like the Knicks. He’s got at least 51 fantasy points in three consecutive meetings with NY!

Cash Game Considerations

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL): $12,000 DraftKings, $12,300 FanDuel

In 18 out of his last 21 games, The Greek Freak has put up a minimum of 57 DraftKings points, with an average of 63 points during this period. This performance is the reason why he is the most expensive player on this slate and the top option for cash games. Although going up against the Celtics might be worrisome, this potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals should serve as motivation for Giannis.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel

SGA has managed to score a minimum of 54 DraftKings points in 10 of his previous 11 games, with an impressive average of almost 60 DK points per game during that period. This is a frightening prospect for the weak Portland team, which ranks 21st in overall defense. In their single matchup, OKC trounced Portland, with SGA amassing 39 DK points, even though he played for only 23 minutes. One can only imagine his scoring potential across 35-40 minutes!

GPP Targets

Brook Lopez (C – MIL): $6,200 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel

Lopez’s performance has been inconsistent, but he possesses a huge potential. This defensive powerhouse averaged close to 40 fantasy points per game from November to December, demonstrating a 50-point ceiling on multiple occasions. For a GPP player in his price range, that’s all one could ask for. Particularly considering that Lopez has scored at least 30 DK points in six out of his last 11 games. He also had a fantastic game against Boston earlier in the year, securing 43 fantasy points!

Dwight Powell (C – DAL): $4,200 DraftKings, $4,800 FanDuel

Powell is far from an exciting option, but it’s tough to fade a $4K player who might play 30 minutes. The injuries have destroyed this Dallas team, but Powell has started the last three games for Dereck Lively. When this guy plays 25-30 minutes a night, Powell averages 25-30 fantasy points per game. That would be a godsend from such an affordable player, and he’ll have to play big minutes to oppose Isaiah Hartenstein.

Value Plays

Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel

There’s no greater pleasure than seamlessly transitioning from one write-up to the next, particularly when Hartenstein is the subject of opposition. Ever since he took over the starting center position, this guy has been unstoppable, consistently scoring a minimum of 34 DraftKings points in five consecutive matches. He is regularly on the court for 35-40 minutes every night and should not be overlooked when facing a Dallas defense ranked 23rd.

Scoot Henderson (PG/SG – POR): $6,000 DraftKings, $6,400 FanDuel

We have been waiting for this rookie to get going, and it looks like it’s finally happening. They’ve decided to start him over Malcolm Brogdon over the last three weeks, scoring at least 34 DraftKings points in five of his last eight games. All we need is 30-35 minutes for this Top 3 pick to be an elite DFS option, and that should be a normal thing since Portland is officially in rebuild mode. Not to mention, OKC owns a 22nd OPRK against opposing guards.

OG Anunoby (SG/SF – NYK): $6,100 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel

The Knicks made a bold move when they traded two significant players for Anunoby, and it appears to have paid off greatly. Since joining New York, he has the highest plus-minus in the NBA, consistently scoring at least 27 DraftKings points in six of his recent nine games. While he hasn’t had many standout performances in this period, achieving 30 fantasy points from a player valued at $6K is more than satisfactory. We think he has a great advantage in the upcoming match against Dallas, given his near 40 fantasy points score against them earlier this year.

Advantageous Pricing

• Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
• Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel
• Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel
• Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG/SF – DAL): $5,300 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel